The first female professional coach in football history has mysteriously resigned from the job without compensation before taking charge of a single match.

Helena Costa looked every inch the crestfallen but resilient manager as she appeared at a press conference at Clermont Foot 63, the League 2 club based in Clermont-Ferrand in central France.

‘I only made my decision yesterday after discussing it with the president,’ said Ms Costa. ‘Before this decision, I did all my work.’

Game changer: It was less than a month ago that 36-year-old Helena Costa was heralded as a dynamic force for change in a sport traditionally dominated by men upon being appointed coach of Clermont Foot

It was less than a month ago that 36-year-old Ms Costa was heralded as a dynamic force for change in a game traditionally dominated by men.

Today she refused to reveal exactly why she left, saying: ‘Only the president knows the reason for my decision.